Process and apparatus for controlling the moisture content of lint cotton



May 13, 1958 w. R. BRYANT 2,

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF LINTCOTTON Filed Nov. 9, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 RETURN Wi/l/am R. BryantINVENTORQ (WW 29m May 13, 1958 w. R. BRYANT 2,834,058

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF LINTCOTTON Filed Nov. 9. 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 William 5. Bryant INVENTOR.

May 13, 1958 w. R. BRYANT PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THEMOISTURE CONTENT OF LINT COTTON 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 9, 1954 Fig.8

William R. Bryan) INVEN TOR.

May 13, 1958 w. R. BRYANT 2,834,058

- PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF LINTCOTTON Filed Nov. 9, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig. .9

: William R. Bryan) INVENTORQ May 13, 1958 w. R. BRYANT 2,834,058

PROCESS m) APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF LINT COTTONFiled Nov. 9, 1954 s 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 /I22 50 I20 I 54 H a I a 13a 50I40 I 128 I34 124 William- R. Bryanf INVENTOR.

United State PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE MOISTURE CONTENTOF LINT CGTTON This invention comprises novel and useful improvements ina process and apparatus for producing a controlled moisture content oflint cotton, and more specifically has as its object the provision of amethod and an apparatus whereby a lint cotton having superior propertiesand characteristics may be produced by controlling the moisture contentthereof and more specifically, by introducing a controlled quantity ofmoisture into the fibers of the lint cotton after the same have reachedthe lint condenser and especially while in a lint condenser.

It is well known to those who are familiar with the ginning of cottonand the preparation and treatment of cotton fibers for commercial usethat the quality, physical characteristics and therefore the value oflint cotton fibers is largely affected by the moisture content of thesame; and that the moisture content lies between relatively new row andcritical limits for the superior and more desirable grades of cottonfibers. It is also well known that in order to satisfactorily clean theseed cotton of trash and foreign matter prior to the ginning of thesame, the seed cotton fiber is usually excessively dried prior to theginning of the seed cotton and to the baling of the lint cottonthereafter, or it sometimes arrives at the gin with subnormal moisture,in this condition, this over-drying or excessive drying of the seedcotton fibers detrimentally affecting the physical qualities of theresultant lint cotton, thus further resulting in a monetary loss to thegrower or gin operator. The foregoing is so well known to those skilledin these arts, that a more detailed explanation or consideration of thesame is deemed to be unnecessary.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to overcome theabove mentioned defects of present conventional practice as much aspossible by introducing any desired, controlled quantity of additionalmoisture into the lint cotton after the same has been ginned and priorto the baling of the cotton in order to remedy the defective conditionof the cotton resulting from the over-drying or the subnormal moisturecontent of the same, and thereby improve to the optimum the qualities ofthe lint cotton.

However, it is also known that the introduction of moisture into thelint cotton beyond certain limits adversely affects the desirability andquality of the lint fibers, sometimes resulting in a total loss of thebale. It is therefore a further concomitant and important object of thisinvention to control and maintain the increase of the moisture contentof lint cotton between desired limits; to obtain a precise control ofthe quantity of the introduced moisture; and to remove excessivemoisture thereby preventing adverse effects upon the characteristics ofthe lint cotton fibers which might arise from excessive moisturecontent.

To my knowledge, efforts have been made heretofore to improve the fibersof lint cotton by the addition of moisture thereto subsequent to theginning operation. For example, it has been proposed heretofore tointroduce moisture into the lint flue in which the lint fibers areconveyed by an air current from the gin stands after the atent' Gginning operation into the lint condenser prior to baling of the cotton.It has also been proposed to introduce additional moisture into the lintfibers in the lint condenser; or in the batt of cotton after the sameleaves the lint condenser on its way to the baling press, as forexample, during the passage of the batt down the lint slide.

In all such prior proposals, however, no adequate provision was made forcontrolling between the requisite narrow limits the moisture content ofthe lint cotton to ensure an adequate absorption of moisture by thecotton fibers but guard against an overmoistening of the same. Moreover,since the cotton gin operator is confronted by supplies of seed cottonof greatly varying moisture content during the ginning season, it hasheretofore been impossible to obtain with certainty the necessary exact,precise control of the resultant moisture content of the lint cotton.

By exhaustive experiments in practicing this invention in a cotton ginplant, I have found it to be impractical and substantially impossible toproduce a desired increase in the moisture content of lint cotton byintroducing exactly that quantity of moisture into the lint condenserwhich it is desired to introduce into the cotton fibers. It appears thatthe vast volume of blast air passing through the lint condenser willnecessarily remove a portion of the moisture introduced into thecondenser this removed moisture being directly proportional to thetemperature and humidity of the blast air as compared with theatn1ospheric temperature and humidity. In other words, the drier and/orthe hotter the blast air, the greater the amount of the introducedmoisture that is removed by the blast air, and consequently the smallerthe amount of moisture which can be introduced into the cotton fiber asa sensible moisture increase therein from a given rate of moisture inputfor the condenser. It therefore appears to be necessary, from apractical standpoint, to at all times introduce into the lint condensera quantity of moisture considerably in excess of that which it isdesired to introduce into the lint cotton fibers; and to control invarious ways the amount of this introduced excess moisture which isremoved by the blast air and thus effectively control the quantity ofthe moisture which is introduced into and absorbed by the cotton fibers.This discovery and principle, apparently offers the only feasible wayfor obtaining an accurate, efiective and precise control of the quantityof the additional moisture to be introduced into the cotton fibers.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a processand an apparatus whereby moisture may be added to lint cotton inaccurately controlled quantities to thereby maintain an augmentedmoisture content of the lint cotton within very precise limits; andwherein the addition of moisture to the cotton fibers may be varied andadjustably controlled in such manner as to ensure the maintaining of aconstant moisture content of lint produced from seed cotton havinggreatly varying moisture contents after the ginning operation.

It is a particular object of this invention to provide a process and anapparatus whereby controlled quantities of moisture may be introducedinto the lint fibers in the lint condenser; and wherein provision ismade to remove any condensate from the surplus of moisture introducedinto the lint condenser.

It is a further and very important object of this invention to provide aprocess and an apparatus whereby excess quantities of moisture over thatdesired to be introduced into the lint fibers are introduced into thelint condenser in order that ample moisture may be provided forintroduction into the cotton fibers, and wherein a very accu ratelycontrolled proportion of the excess introduced moisture may be removedtherefrom in' order to leave the "a ent;

i3 exact desired quantity of additional moisture in the lint fibers inthe lint condenser.

A further important object of the invention in accordance with theimmediately vprecedingobject is to proy de a process and apparatus for.contrdlling the temperature and/or-the humidity of the blast airsupplied .to a linttcondenser to thereby regulate and control theproportion of the excess moisture introduced into the Ilint condenserwhich may be removed by this blast air and thereby obtain a desiredremainder moisture which when introduced into the lint fibers willproduce the desired moisture increase therein.

A still further important object of this invention is to provide aprocess and apparatus wherein the desired regulation of the excessmoisture removed from the lint condenser may be controlled in a varietyof ways and with great precision and facility.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a process andapparatus in accordance with the preceding object wherein the quantityof moisture absorbed 'by and adhering to the cotton lint fibers maybereadily controlled in order to vary the moisture content of the fibers.

Yet another object is to provide an apparatus and method wherebymoisture may be introduced into the lint condenser to dissipate staticcharges of the fibers and facilitate dotting the batt from the condensercylinder, thereby preventing spitting or the undesirable discharge ofportions of the batt through the air exhaust of the condenser.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a process andapparatus wherein the introduction of moisture into the lint fibers inthe lint condenser may be at all times under the immediate control oftheoperator during the operation of the lint condenser and withoutinterfering with the same.

An important ancillary object of the invention is to devise a processand apparatus whereby static charges may bedissipated from the fiberswhile effecting any and all of the preceding objects.

A still further very important object of the invention -is to provide anapparatus and process whereby any fire originating or present in thefibers in the lint condenser may be extinguished with facility andcertainty, without interfering with the continued running of the gin,thereby completely preventing passage of such fire into the baler, andreducing to a minimum the loss of cotton from such fire, and loss ofcontinued operation of the gin plant.

Still other important purposes of this invention are to provide anapparatus and method whereby moisture may be added to the cotton fibersin such a manner as to effect a more homogeneous-and instantaneousabsorption thereof; to reduce to a minimumthe dispersion or dilution ofthe moisture by the conveying air in which the fibers are suspended; toavoid any disturbance-of the batt structure or the .forming of theibattby the introduced moisture.

Yet another more specific object of thisinventionresides in theprovision of'both apparatus andrnethod for varying the quantityand'proportions of moisture adhering to and absorbed by the fibers asthey are forminga batt by variably controllingthe force of impingementand penetration of a batt through control of length of travel of themoisture through the stream of suspendedfibers to the surface of thebatt; and, to a' limited extent, through variation of the position ofthe moistureintroduction with respect to the turbulence of the air-fibersuspension.

A'further specific object of this invention is to provide a process andapparatus wherein the blast air' forthe lint condenser may bepro-conditioned as to temperamay be utilized to improve the efficiencyof the water cooling system of the power plant of the cotton gin.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a process andapparatus according to the foregoing objects wherein the qualities ofthe fiber of lint cotton may be improved by the introduction ofaccurately controlled quantities of moisture or other cotton treatingagents, such as either refined or unrefined cottonseed oil or the like,in an improved manner and with a very accurate control of the treatingagents or 'moistureadded to the cotton fibers.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a process and anapparatus wherein the fibers or any cotton may be improved andrevitalized -as, for example, by increasing its resiliency by theaddition thereto of moisture and/or cotton fiber treating agents ineasily and accurately controlled proportions.

The foregoing objects are generally realized in an apparatus and processin which steam is impinged upon thesurface of abatt from nozzles, thequantityof moisture adhering to the batt and being absorbed therebybeing regulated by varying the distance of the nozzles from the batt,the area of the batt treated, the position of the nozzles by selectingtheir location with consideration of the degree of turbulence in thefiber-air stream and to some extent with consideration of the thicknessof the batt.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully vhereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof,

wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout,

ture and humidity to a controllable varied'extent in I order toadjustably'effect its moisture absorbing characteristics; and whereinthe moisten'ing'of the blastair and in which:

Figure l is a somewhat diagrammatic view of a cotton gin plant to whichthe process and apparatus for introducing additional moisture -into lintcotton has been applied, this view being partly in plan' and partly inelevation;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional detail view taken substantially uponthe plane indicated by the section line 22'of -Figure l and showing inparticular the manner in which the blast'air for the' lint condenser ispremois .tened and/or preheated forcontrolling the temperature andhumidity thereof;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional detail view taken substantially uponthe plane indicated by-the section line 3+3 of Figure '2 and showingoneform of temperaturecontrolling means for .the blast air which may bepracticed in accordance -with.this invention;

Figure 4 is a detail view taken in vertical section substantially uponthe plane indicated by-thesection line .4-4 of Figure 2 and illustratingthe manner in which the blast air supply may .be brought into heatexchange relation with the temperature controlling device of Figes 1Figure 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic elevational viewof a cotton gininstallation illustrating in particular the lint condenser to which theprocess and apparatus of the present invention has been applied togetherwith the connection of the lint flue therewith and the lint. slidedelivering the batt of lint cotton fromthe condenser to the balingpress;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of. the exteriorof the lint condenser, taken upon an enlarged scale and showing aportion of the moisture introducing means associated therewith;

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse sectional detail view taken on anenlarged scale substantially upon the plane indicated by the sectionline 7-;7,of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is ,a further detail view. taken substantially upon :the planeindicated by the section line 88 of Figure 7;

Figure =9 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken substantiallyupon the plane indicated by the section line 99 of Figure 5 and showingthe interior of the lint condenser, and a means which may be providedfor the removal of condensed excess moisture from the end discharge typeof condenser;

Figure 10 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantiallyupon the plane indicated by the section line 1010 of Figure 9 andillustrating the manner in which the moisture or cotton treating agentsmay be introduced into the lint condenser in a controlled manner and inwhich moisture for extinguishing fires may be introduced;

Figure 11 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of Figure 5 andshowing more clearly one form of apparatus whereby the temperature ofthe introduced moisture may be controlled in order to regulate theproportion of the injected moisture into the lint condenser which is tobe introduced into the lint fibers therein; and

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 but a slightly modifiedconstruction for effecting the same general purpose of that of Figure11.

I desire it to be distinctly understood that the accompanying drawingsare to be regarded as illustrative only of the principles of my novelprocess and apparatus; and

that as set forth hereinafter, various steps of the method and variouselements of the apparatus may be omitted, altered or rearranged or usedindependently in accordance with particular treatments to be accordedthe cotton and particular apparatuses with which the invention is to beutilized.

Shown diagrammatically in Figure l, is a typical or conventional cottongin plant which includes a plurality of gin stands 10 each of whichdelivers the lint cotton through a common lint flue 12 to anyconventional form of lint condenser 14 in which the lint fiber isseparated from the conveying air stream, and the lint fibers are thencondensed into a batt which, in turn, is delivered by a lint slide 16 toa conventional form of cotton baler and press 18.

The conventional gin plant further includes a blast air supply duct 19provided with a blast air fan 21 by means of which the necessary volumeof air is supplied to the gin stands, and from thence to the lint flue12. The blast air fan 21 is in turn operated from the engine power plantindicated generally by the numeral 23 and which, for example, mayconsist of internal combustion or diesel engines, provided with a waterjacket 25 for cooling the same. The water in the engine jackets orcooling system is cooled by being circulated through a pair of watercooling towers each designated by the numeral 29 by means of a hot watersupply conduit 31 and a cooled water return conduit 33, bothcommunicating with the water jacket of the power plant engines. It willbe understood that the power plant 23 is connected with the fan 21 inany desired manner, not shown, and customarily the blast air supply bythe fan 21 is taken directly from the atmosphere as by the open inlet ofthe hood or housing surrounding the air blast fan 21.

As so far described, the foregoing is the conventional cotton gin plantlayout and to which the principles of this invention are applied in amanner to be now described.

As regards the practicing of my process and apparatus for producing acontrolled moisture content of lint cotton, it is immaterial what formof gin stand or other ginning machinery be employed. Since theconstruction and operation of the same are well understood, a furtherillustration or description is deemed to be unnecessary. However, sincethe principles of this invention are especially applicable to a lintcondenser which forms an essential part of each cotton gin plant, it hasbeen deemed advisable to illustrate the construction and operation ofone such form of lint condenser to a somewhat greater extent in order toset forth by way of exemplification the manner in which the principlesof my process and apparatus may be practiced.

Referring especially to Figures 9 and 10, it will be seen that thecondenser 14 consists of an outer casing 2t having a convex curving topwall 22 which curves downwardly and outwardly, as at 24, to receive adetachable connection with the lint flue 12 whereby the air-borne lintfibers are introduced into the casing. The casing of the lint condenserfurther includes end walls 26 and 28, and which walls rotatably journalthe foraminous cylinder 30 of the lint condenser. This cylinder isrotated in the usual manner which is of no concern with respect to thepresent invention.

Upon the opposite side of the lint condenser casing lat from theconnection with the lint flue 12, there is provided a discharge passage32 which opens upon the lint slide or chute 16. Suitably disposed withinthe lint condenser casing adjacent the lint discharge opening 32 are theusual pressing and dofiing rollers 34 and 36, operated in theconventional manner, whereby the batt of lint cotton fiber formed uponthe condenser cylinder is stripped therefrom and discharged into thelint slide 16 in the usual manner. As illustrated in Figure 9, thecondenser is of a type having an axially disposed air discharge flue 38by means of which the air is separated from the lint fiber by the actionof the condenser cylinder and is discharged from the lint condenserthrough the end of the condenser cylinder 36. I am, of course aware thatthere are various other types of lint condensers than that illustratedin Figures 9 and 10, as for example, condensers of the down-draftdischarge flue type and the like. The type depicted in Figures 9 and 10,however, is a type requiring provision for excess moisture condensateremoval and therefore is deemed satisfactory for the purposes ofillustrating the manner in which the principles of this invention areapplicable to a lint condenser of either the up-draft or down-drafttypes, since the natural air flow through these condensers removes anycondensate.

In the operation of lint condensers of the rotating cylinder type, thestream of air carrying the lint fibers delivered by the lint flue l2first impinges upon the surface of the rotating cylinder, which cylinderrotates in the direction indicated by the arrow C, at a point upon itscircumference, indicated by the letter 0. Upon striking the screenconstituting the surface of the foraminous cylinder, the conveying airis separated or extracted from the fibers and passes into the interiorof the cylinder through this screen, leaving the lint fibers to collectupon the surface of the cylinder in the form of a batt. The air from theinterior of the cylinder escapes through the air discharge flue, thisbeing the axially disposed'flue 33 in the form of condenser illustrated.As will be readily understood, the entire interior of the casing betweenthe top walls 22 and 24 of the lint condenser casing and the exteriorsurface of the cylinder constitutes a lint chamber 49, which is filledwith the lint and its carrier air discharged by the lint fiue. Thischamber extends between the usual seal 42 between the condenser cylinder30 and the lip of the casing which forms a continuation of the lint flueand to which the lint flue is connected, to a similar seal, not shown,but substantially at the point 44 and just below the lint dischargeopening 32 at its connection with the lint slide 16.

It will be understood that as the condenser cylinder rotates, thecollection of lint fibers upon the exterior surface of the same forms abatt D which is of progressively increasing thickness from the point 0where the batt starts to the point B at which the maximum thickness ofthe batt has been reached. The batt starts forming at 0, where theincoming stream from the lint flue first impinges upon the condensercylinder, increasing very rapidly in thickness to the point A where thebatt has been substantially completed. The point A is the limit point onthe condenser at which the incoming stream from the lint flue directlyimpinges upon the cylinder. As the batt D reaches the pressing anddotting rollers 34 and 36, it is compacted and stripped from thecylinder and discharged-intorthe 'linttslide 16, passing from thenceinto the pressand 'balerrwhere it is formed into bales ready -forshipment. 7

i=1 have -.found that the lint condenser is the first, if not themostsatisfactory portion of the gin plant for introducingmoisture into.the lint Jfiberssince the moisture introduction at this point imposesno problems of conveying the moistened fibers as would arise if themoisture were introduced at any portion of the-lint flue. .Moreover, theintroduction of :moisture .at this point is an entirely satisfactorymeans for dissipating the static charges carried by .the lint fibers,and for preventing or extinguishing any fire which may have 'beenstartedin the fibers, and effectively preventing the passageof burning fibersinto the bale formed by the lint press and baler. The effectiveness ofthe introductiontof the additional moisture at this precise location inthe cotton ginning plant probably arises from the-fact that the fibersare concentrated upon the screen of the condenser and the enormousvolume of blast air from the lint flue passing through the fibers andthrough the screen of the condenser cylinder are ideally adapted tosecure the maximum rate of application of the moisture particles to thefibers themselves in a uniform manner and in a direct application to thefibers, and since the fibers are deposited to form a batt upon thecondenser cylinder, there is no problem created by the application ofthe moisture'to the fibers such as would arise if the moisture wereintroduced into the air-fiber suspension of the hut flue.

Moreover, in the lint condenser casing, the lint fibers :aresufliciently concentrated .as to density, and yet sufiiciently separatedand dispersed by their conveying air to enable the securing of anintimate contact between the moisture and the individual fibers to thusensure a uniform distribution of the moisture throughout the batt beingformed. Still further, at this location, the fibers are compactedinto abatt which varies slightly .in thickness from the point 0 to the point Band which has been substantially formed between the points 0 and A, andthus offers an excellent opportunity for controlling the quantity ofmoisture adhering to and absorbed by the batt.

It is conventional practice in condenser design to form the chamber 40of decreasing cross-sectional area and height from the point 0 to thepoint B whereby to force the air through the screen of the condensercylinder. This inherently results in a decrease in the turbulence orvolume. I make use of this phenomenon to control the quantity ofmoistureintroduced into the cotton fibers. For example, in a typical well knowntype of condenser to which this invention has been successfully applied,the height of the chamber 49 at A is eighteen inches with appreciableturbulence and volume; at E, it is twelve inches with very greatlydiminished turbulence or volume; and

at B, it is about seven inches with substantially no turbulence and aminimum volume.

The introduction of the moisture at A in the form of a stream or sprayinjected directly towards the butt will be in a region of considerableturbulence or volume, and the spray will to some extent be widenedcircumferentially of the cylinder, thereby attenuating or dispersing thespray and thus lessening the force of its impingement upon andconsequently its penetration of the batt. At the point E, however, thenozzles are much closer to the batt and thus, their sprays are subjectedto less attenuation because of .the reduced turbulence or volume of theair flow, and therefore have a much greater extent of penetration intothe batt, thus being capable of a much greater introduction of moistureinto the batt. At this point, therefore, a .greater moisture-content ofthe cotton can be secured and a greater homogeneity or uniformity ofmoistening of the fibers is realized.

Itis well to note that apparently some of the moisture vintroduced'will.be immediately absorbed by the fiber,

while some oftthe remainder will adhere to the fiber,-to be isubsequently absorbed into :the fiber after -,th e hatt has .beenformedinto a bale. The ultimate or full -effeets.-of the treating operation,vwl'lether .by Water or other treating agent, are not subjected to thenecessity of being completed in the ,short time-interval when the fiber.is inrthe condenser; althoughit should be noted thatmy manner oftreatment issuch as to=more effectively introduce the treating agent insuch fashion that it will be retained-0n substantially all of the fibersfor eventual absorption :thereby.

It is also evident that changing of the positionof the nozzles in orderto direct their injection to portions of the batt of diiferent thicknesswill-also tend to vary the quantity of moisture introduced into a unitvolume of the batt, assumingthat a constant rate of water injection fora unit surface ofthebattjsmaintained. ltis believed,

however, that the controlling principle as regards +the quantity ofmoisture applied to and retained by the hut fibers is the extent towhich the spray or stream of moisture directly impinges upon the surfaceof the batt. If

there is a lack of :suflicient pressure for ,the stream of spraytopenetrate the moving strear'nof air between the tity of the moistureadded to the fibers.

nozzles and the batt, becauseof any loss of pressure of the spray orstreamybecause of condensationof a part or all of the streamofmoistureby ,virtue of cooling of the same by the -air stream; orbecause of sufficient temperature andhumidity characteristics of the airstream, all or a portion of the stream of moisture .will 1be,dis-

persed in the air and evaporatedthereby and to t'natextent willbecarried throughthe batt andcylinder without appreciably moisten ng thebatt and will be discharged .with the exhaustair through the exhaustduct 38. How.-

ever, that portionof the moisture that is notevaporated by the airstream, and which either directly impinges ,upon the batt, or beingdispersed as liquid globules in th e air stream isapplied to the batt bythe air stream passing therethrough, will be retained upon the surfaceof the battfor subsequent introduction into the lintfibers.

- In some fewinstances, it may be found practical to rely solely upontheabovetmentioned varying of the place of injection between portions ofthe batt having different thickness inorder to control the resultantmoisture content of the cotton :fibers. In most instances, however,.reliance may behad solely .upon variation of the distance of thenozzles from the batt, the control of the temperature of the stream .or,the control of the temperature and humidity of the :air stream tocontrol the quan- In addition, variations ofthe nozzle pressure willalso enable adjustment .of the quantity of moisture supplied and alsothe depth of its penetration into the batt. Still further, -a

shifting of the po'sition of the nozzle between the points A, E and Bwith respect to variations in the turbulence or volume of airflowmayconstitute the solemeans for controling moisture content.Finally, any or all of-the above modes of controlmay be usedsimultaneously and in correlation. 7

Moisture is supplied to the interior of the condenser from any suitablesource through a conduit 46, under the control of a manually operablegate valve '48. Beyond the gate valve .48, the conduit 46 branches intoa plurality of distributing conduits, any desired number being employed,and three such conduits being shown in Figures 5 and ll, as at 56. Eachof the branch conduitsSll delivers the moisture to a respective header52, 53 and 55 which extends exteriorly and transversely across thehousing of the lint condenser, there being provided a-suitable manuallyoperable control valve 54 for each such branch conduit or header. Eachheader is connected to a pluralityofmoisture delivery nozzles 56 bywhich the moisture is discharged into the condenser as set forthhereinafter.

qMoisture for treating the cotton fiber -is preferably any suitablesource, such-as aboiler or the like, not

shown, whereby moisture may be introduced into the lint fiber within thelint condenser. It is, of course, to be understood that the sameapparatus may be employed for delivery moisture in other forms thansteam, as for example, humidified air, water spray or mist or. evenother liquids. Further, other liquids for treating lint cotton fiber,such as refined onunrefined cottonseed oil, may be supplied through thisagency.

Each of the manual control valves 54 of the headers 52, 53 and 55 ispreferably provided with a remote control means whereby from anyconvenient poistion, the gin operator may instantly cut off or regulatethe quantity of the treating agent supplied by that header. Althoughthis invention is in no way limited thereto, one suitable control meansis illustrated in the drawings.

In the arrangement shown, see Figure 6, each valve has an actuatinglever arm 57 extending transversely of the valve stem and secured to theusual manual actuating handle. Cables 59 extend from the opposite endsof the lever 57 through suitable guide pulleys, not shown, to anydesired station where they may easily be operated as desired.

In general, it has been found that the increase of about 4% in themoisture content of the lint cotton is sufiicient, although theprinciples of this invention are not limited to any particular range.

It has been found satisfactory to use the header 52 to inject moistureto increase the moisture content by from to 2%, while if additionalmoisture increase is desired, the header 53 is employed to increase themoisture content by an additional amount of the same range or magnitude.Thus, the two headers 52 and 53 in this particular embodiment can effectan increased moisture content of the batt of from 0% to 4%. Variationswithin this range are obtained by the previously mentioned adjustments.

Where increases of above 4% are desired, additional headers similar to52 and 53 may be used between the positions A and B. The header 55 is ofthe same construction as the headers 52, 53, except that it may havemore and/or larger nozzles; and while it can be employed in the samemanner as 52 and 53, is primarily intended for use in flooding the lintcondenser for smothermg and extinguishing fires therein.

The headers 52, 53 and 55 are flexibly connected to the conduit 46, andfor this purpose, all or a portion of the branch conduits 51 may be offlexible tubing. This flexible connection permits the headers and thenozzles carried thereby to be moved circumferentially about the curvedwall 22 of the lint condenser housing whereby the nozzles carried by theheader may be selectively and adjustably positioned at circumferentiallyspaced locations with respect to the condenser cylinder 3% andconsequently at variable distances from the condenser cylinder and batt.

In order to facilitate such arcuate or circumferential movement, seeFigures 68, each of the headers 52 and 53 is mounted upon arcuate guides53 which are secured in any convenient manner to the exterior portion ofthe curved casing 22 of the lint condenser, at convenientlycircumferentially spaced locations thereon. Preferably, each bracket 58is provided with an arcuate slot 65 therein which constitutes a guidetrack in which is slidably received a block 62 constituting a slide andwhich block is mounted upon and supports the header 52 for slidingmovement in the guide bracket. A thumbscrew 64 secured to the slide 62engages the bracket 58 to lock the slide 62 and thereby the respectiveheader in adjusted position. By this means, each of the headers may beindividually adjusted throughout an arcuate circumferential extent.

Where desired, any two or more of the headers may be interconnected forsimultaneous circumferential adjustment by suitable interconnectiontherebetween.

As aforesaid, a plurality of nozzles 56 are carried by each header, andthe portion of the casing 22 immediately below these nozzles iscircumferentially slotted, as at 66, whereby the nozzle will be inregistry with its slot throughout its arcuate extent of adjustment. Thenozzles are so positioned as to direct a stream of moisture directlyagainst the adjacent surface of a batt D as the latter is formed uponthe lint cylinder 30. As Will be apparent, the place of impingement ofthe spray or stream from the nozzle upon the batt is adjustablecircumferentially of the condenser cylinder in accordance with the rangeof movement provided for the header. Thus, the spray or stream from thenozzle impinging upon the batt will be spirally adjustedcircumferentially of and also radially from the latter due to thearcuate shape and position of the guide slots of brackets 58 relative tothe cylinder 30, as seen in Figure 10, and since the batt is atprogressively varying distance from the nozzles between the points A andB as above mentioned, the nozzles may be selectively positioned fordirecting their moisture upon the batt at different locations of varyingdistance of travel through the air stream.

In order to prevent the escape of lint cotton from the slots 66, each ofthe nozzles is provided with an arcuate shield or closure plae 68 whichslidingly engages the exterior surface of the lint condenser casing wall22 and closes the slot except for that portion with which the nozzleis-in registry. Thus, escape of air and/or lint cotton from thecondenser through the moisture injection slots is prevented.

It will be readily appreciated that any selected one or all of theheaders may be utilized for moistening the lint cotton; and any or allof the headers may be circumferentially adjusted to locate the nozzlesat the precise relation with respect to the batt which will pemitabsorption of the desired amount of moisture sprayed thereagainst.

Although in the embodiment illustrated, a plurality of headers have beenprovided and each header is shown as being adjustable, it will bereadily understood that the invention also comprehends constructionswherein only a single header may be provided; and/or in which the singleheader, any one of a plurality of headers or all of a plurality ofheaders may be arcuately adjusted as above described.

In general, however, I prefer to employ the feature of operating aselecting numberof nozzles which are disposed at selected angularintervals about the circumference of the condenser cylinder in order tointroduce any desired moisture content into the lint cotton fibers inthe condenser; and to vary this introduced moisture by either varyingthe number of nozzles, their location with respect to their distancesfrom the batt forming upon the condenser cylinder, their spacing fromthe batt or their position in the chamber 40 with respect to theturbulence or volume of flow or the pressure of injection, or any ofthese variables in combination.

Referring now more specifically to Figure 9, it will be seen that I haveprovided a moisture collecting trough 69 of any desired character, andwhich is mounted in any suitable manner within the rotating condensercylinder 30, as by being secured by brackets 70 to the exhaust airdischarge duct 38. When an excessive quantity of moisture is introducedinto the lint condenser of the end discharge type illustrated, the samewill be carried by the air stream through the batt forming upon the lintcondenser cylinder, and this moisture, which is not carried by theexhaust air through the duct 38 will condense and collect in the trough69. Amoisture aspirating conduit 72 is provided which is suitablymounted, as by brackets 74, upon the duct 38, and 76 upon the moisturecollecting trough 69. This conduit has its adit 78 disposed in thetrough 69 and has its exit 80 disposed in the air stream in the duct 30whereby the outflowing air will suck or draw moisture through the tube72 from the collection trough 69. Itwill thus be seen that provisionhasbeen made for removing any condensed surplus ill .gppistnregfrom :lholint condenser which.-.would;.otherwise produce an .over-saturated orunduly wet condition .of ;.the l pt potton. -B ythis arrangement,.anexcessof moisture ,cantbe suppliedto the lint condenser andthe, surplusthere- -ofl not absorbed bythe lint cotton or the battunderi-the ,ducedin'toihe lint condenser have usually acquiredstatic ,charges ofelectricity during their previous working in the gin. Thesechargescausethe lint fibers to tenaciousv.1) adhere to the metallic screen ofthe lintcondenser which clinging .action is further increased by thepressure of the air against the butt as .the air passesthrough thelatter into the condenser cylinder during the separa- -=,,ti on of the.air from the fibers. As a result of;the static .;and;the -air pressure,it sometimes occurs that this-adher- -ence of the batt to thecondensercylinder is so great thatthe dofferroller 36 is unableto stripordofi 'the batt-gfrom the cylinder, and that portion ofrthe batt-will{pass under the doifer roller.

fwlleflethls occurs in condensers ofrthe up or down "discharge type, orWhere the air reverses its-flow through the,condenseroylinder, and thebatt surface of the cylin- .-der :is exposed to the -air discharge flue,the .undofied .POrtion of:the batt will then be forced-from the cylinder..by;the1air exhausting therefrom and will be blown ,out of theair.discharge duct, producing what is known as tfspitting and-effectinga considerablefinancial loss-to the ,ginner. 'The introduction of steam.or other :treating agent into-thecondenser will entirely dissipatethe-static charges thus .completely eliminating the chief causecfspitting. This static dissipation is an inherent but extremely desirablefunction of the previously disclosed ,moisture injection into thecondenser.

It is to be understood that the apparatus and the method describedhereinbefore is applicable notonlyfor theintrcduction of steam or othermoisture torincreas- .ing the moisture content of lintcottonltoapredctermined .value,. but also for, introducing other cottontreating agents,

. suchas' unrefined or refined cottonseed oil or other.;=sub-.stancestor beneficially affecting the characteristicslof the :lintcotton.

:IH some particular circumstances, the apparatus as above described willprove to be satisfactory ,;a-n d-,will introduce a desired increasedmoisture content to -;the :lint {cotton fibers. However, underconditions .of .considerable variation in the atmospheric temperature.;and

humidity, the effectiveness of the blast air in removing ;the exactamount of excess moisture in the lint condenser, in order insecure apredetermined,.controlled, desiredadditionalmoisture content for the hut-;fibers is of-widely varying effectiveness and it. has been ,found that.further adjustable controls are necessary. :Tflitsyhave con ense shownthat the additional moisture content which. an be introduced intothe;lint fibers of the batt ill ihfi lint con- ,denser from -a constantrate and temperature of moisture supply varies inversely with anincrease-in temperature anda drop in humidity of the blastgair. In.-e,xplauatietn .of :this phenomenon, it will be seen that as the airtem- .peratureincreases or its humidity drops, its ability toabsorbmoisture from the spray increases. Consequently, a .greater percentageof the introduced moisture .-is;evap- .o'rated. by. and absorbed .bytheblast air, thusgleavinga critginventiontprovides aprocess and meanszforcontrolling .tent into thelint cotton.

ing the: humidity of this. air, where desired. yentional type of coolingtower 29, it will .be seen that ;there. are provided a plurality ofpansor trays .80 dis- .blast air {an 21.

:the :temperature. and! or .the humidity of the blast ;air.-: in :order,to;regulate its ability to removeexcesszmoisture ifronuthe lintcondenser and thereby-facilitate the ability of the apparatusto-introducethe desired moisture con- Referring nowv more. specificallyito Figures 1-4, it will be seen that use is made of the cooling. towers29 as an economical and a beneficial source from which moisture may beintroduced intothe blast air use any other desired source forhumidifying or regulat- In;the conposedin vertically spacedrelation, andthat the hotwater ,tlischarge pipe 31 from the cooling jackeLZ-Scf thepower plant ,23.discharges .this heated cooling lwater at the-:to'p of-the towers. This heated water cascades ,from ;the uppermostpan ortray;8.tl through the screens 82 forming .the bottomsof the same andfalls through the air .;down- .wardly into a sump or tank 84, to whichthe water return line 33 is connected.

flaring its downwardflow, thewater in afinelydivided .or spray formiscooled by its passage through theairand gthen ;returne d,to the waterjacket of the power plant. In accordance with this invention, a pair ofintake hoods :fi6.andi88 are disposed about a portion of the cooling;towers,-,for;receiving air passing; through thetowers, which air willbe moistened'by the descending water {from ,the pipe,31 aswill bereadily apparentfrom FigureZ. {El e inlet hoods :86 and ;88 are in turnconnected to aninlet ,conduit 90, the latter passing through a 'heatexchange :coil 9.2;and from thence through a control valve-casing .94and into the hood35of the blast air'fan 21. ,Any

. suitable:lypcrofcontrol.valve is provided in the casing 991,

- vi s i on;rnay be made for entirely or partially closing oil .theatmospheric air to the casing 35 whereby only-moistenedair from theconduit 90 may be supplied to the It will thus be apparent that anydesired proportion ranging from all atmospheric air to all moistenedairor to any desired proportion of thesame may be introduced by the blastair fan 21 into the.;blast ,air conduit 19,.

It should be observed that since the blast air. famnor- ,mally suppliesover 7000 cubic feet of air perminuteto iheggltl stands andsince thevelocity vof thisair through the g b lastvair flue-l9 is extremely high,the introduction ,of moi stened air into the housing 35 is almostinstantly followedbytheintroduction of humidified air into the lint The,device is exceptionally responsive -,to adjustment of the humidity ofthe blast air.

;It is also possible to control the temperature of the gblast air.Conveniently, the temperature of the humiditiedair supplied ,tothe blastair fan may be beneficially regulated. For this purpose there maybeprovided a heat exchange radiator 93 disposed in approximate proximityto -the, heat exchange coil 92 of the humidified blast air supply. Asshown more clearly in Figures ,2;and 3,, ;the

-gadiator 98 may include a plurality of coils 10! :therein ;thr oughwhich a fluid medium maybe circulated in any -d esir ed,manner. Thus,hot water, combustion products oranyotherheating fluid medium issupplied to, the edit :100 through-the hotfiuidsupplyconduit 102 whilealternatively a cooling fluid such as wateror some refrigerant maybesupplied by the cold fluid supply conduit 10.4. An alternativeoraproportionate supply of these-fluids to the coil 100 may be obtained bythe regulating :valve 106. .Afterpassage :t'nrough the-heatexchange-coil 100, the hotor cold fluidsorthe mixtureof the same may bedischarged asby aconduit 1G8 'for'reuse. or many-desiredplace-of..discharge. There is alsoprovideda-fau which may be operated asby an electric motor 112 or any other desired manner, and which blows anair stream or any other desired heat cond=.;cting fluid across the heatexchange coil 1% and from thence across the heat exchange coil 92 in thehumidified blast air supply conduit. Thus, the humidified blast air maybe either heated or cooled in order to regulate its temperature to anydesired value.

It will be apparent that by proper manipulation of the temperaturecontrolling means and the humidity controlling means, the blast airsupplied by the blast air duct 19 may be precisely regulated as to itstemperature and humidity, and thus its efficiency in withdrawing excessmoisture from the lint condenser may be very effectively regulated andcontrolled.

It is also to be understood that the heat controlling arrangementdescribed with reference to the humidified blast air supply duct canalso be supplied directly to the blast air duct 19 prior to thedischarge of the same into the gin stands whereby when atmospheric airalone is supplied by the blast air fan 21, the temperature of the samemay be easily regulated.

It should be observed that the operation of the blast air moisteningmeans not only serves to impart to the blast air any desired humidity,and thus beneficially effect and assist the control of the moisteningoperation in the lint condenser, but will also by the evaporative effectand the induced flow of air through the cooling towers greatlyfacilitate and beneficially effect the cooling of the power plantcooling system. It has been found by tests that the operation of themoistening device for the blast air will easily reduce the temperatureof the cooling system of the power plant by from eight to ten degrees ona hot day.

As an alternative means, or if desired as a supplemental means forregulating and controlling the proportion of the moisture introducedinto the lint condenser which will be discharged therefrom in theexhaust air as surplus moisture, it is possible to heat or cool thesteam or moisture being introduced into the lint condenser by the headerand nozzle assembly. Thus, if steam is being supplied by the header andnozzle assembly, it is evident that heating or superheating the samewill increase the proportion of the moisture which is absorbed into andevaporated by an air stream, and hence is educted fro-m the lintcondenser by vapor mixed with the air. On the other hand, if the streamor moisture spray is cooled whereby a wetter or more easily condensablesteam is injected, a larger proportion of the same will be condensed toparticles of moisture in the condenser and will be directly applied asmoisture to the batt therein. Under this condition it is obvious that agreater proportion of the moisture will be directly applied to the battin a condition where it may be absorbed thereby and consequently therewill be a larger increase in the quantity of moisture introduced intothe lint cotton.

It should be observed that this process and means for controlling thequantity of moisture introduced into the lint cotton is especiallybeneficial in those installations where it is desirable or necessary touse a relatively low source of pressure of the steam, as for exampleabout fifteen pounds maximum boiler pressure. Under such conditions itis possible to prevent any tendency of the steam to condense during itstravel through the conduit system to the nozzles; and also, wheredesired, to superheat the steam and thereby decrease the proportion ofthe same absorbed by the lint cotton batt.

For this purpose, as shown more clearly in Figure 11,

each of the headers 52, 53 and 55 may be enclosed in a as by a heatexchange coil 132 of any desired character disposed in the housing 126,and through which is passed a heat exchange fluid by means of an inletconduit 134 and an outlet conduit 136. In order to control thetemperature of this fluid a pair of supply conduits as a heating fluidconduit 138 and a cooling fluid conduit 140, connected with any suitablesource of hot and cold fluids respectively are supplied to the inletconduit 134 by means of a proportioning and control valve 142. Thelatter is capable of supplying either hot or cold fluid or both in anydesired proportion to a heat exchange coil 132.

As will now be readily understood, this arrangement permits air in anydesired temperature to be flown across the header and supply conduitsystem of the water injection whereby the injected fluid may be heatedor cooled to any desired degree. Thus, the steam injected may be socooled as to cause a considerable condensation of the same to therebyinject the maximum moisture content into the lint cotton and if desired,even to extinguish fires in the lint condenser. On the other hand, themoisture supply conduit system may be so heated as to cause a variableproportion of the injected moisture to be absorbed as vapor by theairflow and thus discharged from the lint condenser to reduce thequantity of moisture absorbed and introduced into the lint cotton.

As will be more readily apparent from Figure 7, the heat controlling airflow discharged into the casings may be dissipated from the open bottomends of the same. When desired, however, other arrangements may beprovided for the discharge of heat exchange fluid.

In the arrangement of Figure 11, substantially the same heating orcooling effects were applied simultaneously to the plurality of headers.In the modified construction of Figure 12 however, it is possible tocontrol individually the temperature of the individual headers. In thisarrangement the same air heating and cooling means and the same airsupply duct 124 is provided as that previously described. However, theheating or cooling air delivered by the duct 124 is applied somewhatdifferently to the moisture injection system. Thus, the conduit 124 isprovided with a plurality of discharge branch conduits 144, 146 and 148.Each of these conduits is placed in heat exchange relation with thesupply conduit 50 of one of the header injection systems. By means of acontrol valve 150 in each of the branch conduits, which valves areindependently controlled as by control levers 152, the supply of theheating or cooling air may be proportioned as desired to any of theheader systems and thus a different extent of heating or cooling may beapplied to a selected header system. This arrangement permits greatflexibility in the temperature control of the individual systems.

Although in describing the specific heat constituents of Figures 11 and12 reference has been made to the use of air as the heat exchange mediumsupplied through the conduit 124, it will be readily apparent that it iswithin the scope of this invention to employ any other heating fluidsdesired, as Well as various other temperature control means for theheaders and/or their supply conduits.

It is not contended that the present invention resides broadly in theprovision of a method or apparatus for the introduction of moisture intoa lint condenser; but it is contended the present invention carries outthe foregoing broad concept in a practical and efficient manner in thatit provides both a process and an apparatus whereby moisture or othertreating agents can be introduced into the lint cotton fiber in a muchmore satisfactory and homogeneous manner; that it may be introduced witha much greater precision and accuracy of control; and that the controlof the moisture content of the lint cotton may be effected in a varietyof ways, as by varying the distance of the nozzles from the batt;varying the injection pres- .sure; controlling and adjusting the variouslocations upon or 'absorption ,by :the dint .cotton; by .the :ptovision11f ;means .;for .removing .any .surplus .of. moisture admitted .to thelint condenser; :by ..adjusting the humidity :and temperaturecfthe blastair; and byregulating the temperature andsaturations or densityofthesteamjnjected.

The present application isacOntinuatiQn-in-part ofmy prior .copendingapplication, Serial ,No. 410,553, ;now

abandoned.

from the foregoing, the constructionand operation of -.the device willbe readily .understood and further ex- .planationjs;believed.to be:unnecessary. However, since numerous.modificationsandchanges willreadily occur to those skilled .in .the .art, it is .not desired .tolimit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, andaccordingly,.all. suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, .fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

Whatisclairnedas new is asfollows:

1. A methodof producing inlthe lint condenser of a seed cotton ginningplant a predeterminedpercentage:by Weightmoisture content in lint cottonhaving a percentage :by .weight deficiency of moisture which comprises;delivering froma gin standof a-seed cotton ginning plantto alintcondenser thereof .lint cotton accompanied by an air stream,continuously forming .in said Elint con'denser I .a batt of lintcotton,continuously introducing into the air stream and within the confines ofthe lintco ndenser and applying to said batta surplus of moisture overthat which would produce the said predetermined percentage of moisturecontent to thereby increase the :rate ofmois- :ture absorption by thebatt, continuously removing =from said batt and'lint condenser by-saidair :streamsaid-surplus of moisture ofsaid introducedmoisture,-controlling the relative quantities of moisture introduced andsurplus moisture removed and thereby limiting the total trollablyvarying the length of the passage of the moisture through said portionof the air stream whereby to-variably control the proportion of the'moisture absorbed and removed by the air stream and the proportion ofmoisture absorbed bythe batt.

4. The-method of claim '3 wherein the last mentioned step includesvarying the thickness or said portion of the air stream in its directionof flow and varying in the direction of flow of said portion of the airstream the location of said passage of moisture thereacross.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of 'introducing moisture iseffected by spraying moisture across a portion of the accompanying airstream and upon said batt thereby obtaining intermingling of themoistureand air and absorption of a portion of the moisture by, the airprior to contact of the moisture and moisture laden air with the batt.

6. The method of claim wherein the step of spraying moisture includesthe spraying of moisture'by a plurality of streams spaced in thedirection of travel oflsai d portionof the air stream.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of introducing moistureiseffected by spraying a plurality of streams of moisture across aportionof the accompanying air-stream andupon said'batt, said pluralityof'streams beingspaced transversely of said batt and of said portion ofsaid air stream. i

t3. The'method of claim 1 including the step oE-variably controlling thehumidity of the air-streamand thereby controlling =the proportion ofmoisture absorbed by the air stream.

*streamand thereby controlling the proportion of moisture absorbed bythe air stream.

1.1. .The methodof claim 1 including the step of variably controllingthe proportion of moisture absorbed .by the air stream by variablycontrolling thetemperatureof .the introduced moisture.

:12. The method of claim lzincludingthe step of :variably controllingthe proportion of moisture absorbed by the air stream by variablycontrolling the wetnessof the introduced moisture.

1'3. Themethod of claim 1 including the step of variably controlling theproportion of moisture absorbed-by the air stream by variablycontrolling the temperature and wetness of the introduced moisture.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the ,moisture is introduced in theform of-steam.

15. The method ofclaim 1 4 including-the step of vvariably-controllingthe temperature of the steam tothereby variablycontrolthe wetness of thesteam.

16. The method of claim 1 whereinthestep of introducing moisture iseifected by spraying moisture across a portion of the accompanying airstream and uponsaid batt thereby obtainingintermingling of the moistureand air and absorption of a portion of the moisture by the air p'rior tocontact of the moisture and moisture laden air with the batt, themoisture being introduced in the form 'of steam.

l7; The method of claim l6-including thestep of variably controlling thetemperature of .the steam during its passage throughsaid portion of saidair streamto thereby variably control the wetness of the steam.

'18. The method of claim -1 wherein an increase in the moisturecontentof the lint cotton in the lint'batt, by-the step of introducingmoisture, ranges up to about 2% by weight of the lint cotton.

19. A lint condenser including a casing having a condensercylinder-therein, means for educting air from-said casing through saidcylinder, means for delivering lint cotton conveyed-by an air streamfrom a gin stand of a "seed cotton ginning plant into said casing andcircumfer'entially about said cylinder in contact therewith and forminga lint batt thereon, a nozzle mounted in said casing and positioned fordirecting a stream of moisture "through the adjacent portion of said air'stream and the distance through said adjacent portion of said airstream of said nozzle from said batt.

20. A lint condenser including a casing'having a'condensercylinder'therein, means for educting air from said 'casingt hrough saidcylinder, means for delivering lint cotton conveyed by an air streamfrom a gin stand of a seed cotton ginning plant into said casing andcircumferentially about said cylinder in contact therewith and forming alint batt thereon, a pair of nozzles mounted in said casing and eachpositioned for directing a stream of moisturethrough an adjacent portionof said air stream and towards said cylinder and the batt formedthereon, means for moving one of said nozzles towards. and 'fromsaidcylinder whereby to controllably vary thelength of travel of saidstreams of moisture fromthe nozzles and ,throughsaid adjacent portion ofsaid air stream to said batt.

i 21. The combination of claim 20 wherein said nozzles are spacedcircfumjferentially of the cylinder from each other by about "30.

22. "The combination'of claim 19 including means for variablycontrolling the temperature of said-air stream;

23. The combination of claim 19 including means for variably controllingthe humidity of said air stream.

24. The combination of claim 19 including means for variably controllingtemperature and humidity of the air stream.

25. The combination of claim 19 wherein said casing has a slot therein,means on the exterior of said casing for mounting said nozzle, saidnozzle extending through said slot into said casing.

26. The combination of claim 20 wherein said casing has slots therein,means on the exterior of said casing for mounting said nozzles, eachnozzle extending through a slot into said casing.

27. The combination of claim 19 including an enclosing casing for saidnozzle, means for introducing a heat exchange medium into said enclosingcasing and in heat exchange relation with said nozzle.

28. The combination of claim 20 including an enclosing casing for eachof said nozzles, means for introducing a heat exchange medium into eachof said enclosing casings and in heat exchange relation with saidnozzle, means for variably controlling the temperature of the heatexchange medium in at least one of said enclosing casings.

29. An apparatus for introducing a predetermined additional moisturecontent in a lint cotton batt on a condenser cylinder in a lintcondenser of a seed cotton ginning plant comprising; means for passingan air stream through said lint condenser across and through said batt,means for supplying moisture in an amount in excess of that which it isdesired to introduce into said batt, said supply means including apairof moisture discharge means directing a pair of moisture streams intoand across adjacent portions of the air stream and towards said battalong paths of different length in said air stream portions, saidmoisture discharge means being relatively angularly spacedcircumferentially of said condenser cylinder in the order of 30 wherebyto afiord sufiicient time and space for effective moisture absorption bythe lint cotton, means for controllably varying the proportion of themoisture absorbed by the air stream from the moisture streams andeducted from the condenser by said air stream and the proportion ofmoisture absorbed by the lint batt to thereby control thequantity ofadditional moisture absorbed by the lint cotton.

30. The combination of claim 29 wherein said last mentioned meansincludes means for controlling the temper-attire of the air stream.

31. The combination of claim 29 wherein said last mentioned meansincludes means for controlling the humidity of the air stream.

32. The combination of claim 29 wherein said last mentioned meansincludes means for controlling the temperature and humidity of the airstream.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS588,812 Bessonette Aug. 24, 1897 1,460,519 Wadsworth July 3, 19232,200,379 Williams May 14, 19.40 2,505,179 Gaythwaite Apr. 25, 19502,747,234 Speakes et al. May 29, 1956

